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Tanigawa-dake, with its many faces. Tanigawa ropeway" for an easy and spectacular sightseeing tour.

Tanigawa-dake, the main peak of the Tanigawa mountain range, is located on the border between Gunma and Niigata prefectures in Joshinetsu National Park. Tanigawa, the main peak of the Tanigawa Mountain Range, is located on the border between Gunma and Niigata Prefectures in the Kamishin National Park. It is a binaural peak with two peaks called Oki no Mimi (1,977 m above sea level) and Toma no Mimi (1,963 m above sea level). The sometimes steep, Alps-like appearance of the mountain has been and continues to be a favorite of hikers and climbers. It is also known as a "mountain famous for its flowers" due to the variety of alpine flora nurtured by its uniquely harsh climate.
Another major attraction is the easy access to the alpine area by ropeway or lift from the foot of the mountain. About 2 hours from the Tokyo metropolitan area by car or Shinkansen bullet train, this is a perfect spot for day-trip sightseeing and family trips to get in touch with nature in an authentic way.

The Tanigawa-dake Ropeway is 2,400 meters long, and it takes about 15 minutes to ascend from Doai-guchi Station at the foot of the mountain to Tenjin-daira Station at the top, a difference in elevation of about 600 m. The gondola is suspended by two ropes and a short rappel, and the entire rope moves with the gondola, which is called the funitel style. The funitel style is resistant to strong winds and crosswinds, which are typical of mountain climbs, and provides a stable ride. There are only three places in Japan that use the funitel style. The distance covered is the longest among them.

From Tenjin-daira Station, transfer to the Tenjin Pass Pair Lift to reach Tenjin Pass Station at an elevation of 1,500 meters in about 10 minutes. Tanigawadake, and depending on the time of year, Mt. Nikko, Mt. Akagi, and even Mt.

Tanigawadake Joch

• Yuhiso-Yufukiyama National Forest, Minakami Town, Tone-gun, Gunma MAP
• Green season April 19 - November 16, 2025
  8:00-17:00 (7:00 on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays - last uphill to Tenjin Touge Observation Deck 16:00, last ropeway uphill 16:30)
• Open all year round during the green season, but may be closed due to inclement weather, etc.
• Round trip to Tenjin Touge Observation Deck (ropeway/lift set ticket): Adults: 3,500 yen, children under elementary school age: 2,000 yen
• 0278-72-3575
• Charged (500 yen)
• Ropeway single and one-way ride fares are also available. For details, please check the website. For details on Direction, see below.

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"Bread au gratin," a gourmet specialty of the mountains, is a hot, hot, and hot meal.

Adjacent to Tenjindaira Station is the View Terrace Tenjin Restaurant. With its large windows, visitors can enjoy a meal while viewing the gorgeous autumn colors of Mt.
Tanigawadake ropeway's famous mountain gourmet dish is "Tanigawadake Pan Gratin. Since each order is baked in a separate bowl, you can enjoy the hot and sizzling texture of the bread for as long as you like. The fluffy bread is hollowed out and filled with white sauce and cheese, and served "spill sauce style" with the sauce spilling out of the bread. Other warm dishes typical of mountain resorts include curry rice with pork cutlet, shoyu-flavored Tenjin ramen, and bread pudding made from bread gratin hollowed out of bread.

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Hike or rent a comfortable bicycle and visit Ichinokurasawa, one of the three largest rocky areas in Japan.

Tanigawadake Joch Base Plaza, a 3.3-km one-way hiking and biking trail winds through the foothills of Tanigawadake. The flat route through virgin beech forests offers a pleasant stroll while enjoying the autumn leaves and forest bathing. The destination, Ichinokurasawa, is one of the "three most spectacular rocky areas in Japan" with its towering rock walls that overwhelm the viewer. The famous rocks along the way, stone walls reminiscent of the old Shimizukoshi Road, the steep mountain Shirakumon on the other side of the river, and wild birds that suddenly appear are all things you will want to capture on camera. Bicycles with electric power assist are available for rent for an exhilarating 90-minute ride (advance internet reservation required).

Bicycle rental

• Tanigawadake Joch Base Plaza, Yuhiso, Minakami-cho, Tone-gun, Gunma 379-1728 MAP
• 9:00～16:30
• The road to Ichinokurazawa is closed in winter from late November to late May.
• 2,000 yen for 90 min.
• 0278-72-3575
• Rental is available from junior high school students and up. Minimum height 145cm and weight under 100kg. Advance internet reservations required.

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"Sanazawa Terrace" where a day-trip hot spring, sauna, and a view of terraced rice fields await you.

Sanazawa Hot Spring has been known since the Edo period and has a long history of flourishing as a therapeutic hot spring. This modern hot spring Property with a sauna offers a quiet and relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The hot water from its own source is highly alkaline and smooth to the touch. Both men and women can enjoy spacious indoor and outdoor hot springs made of stone. The private sauna, available by reservation only, is a barrel sauna made of Japanese cedar wood and is large enough to accommodate about 6 people. Firewood is made from thinned oak and other timber from Minakami Town. After taking a bath, enjoy original coffee blends and locally produced drinks at the café in the community space. There is also a relaxing space with tatami mats, perfect for taking a rest.

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Minakami's beer "OCTONE Brewing" brewed amidst the rich local nature

This brewery was opened by a Minakami-born brewer who wanted to create a local community through beer, similar to the breweries in Germany and England. The carefully crafted beers have won awards in numerous competitions. The brewery is most proud of the delicious water from Minakami, which is located in the uppermost basin of the Tone River and is famous as a water source. The brewery uses the clean water as a base and combines it with local agricultural products to create a rich flavor unique to this region. Seasonal and limited edition flavors such as "Octone Ale," which is easy to drink even for first-timers, and beer with the refreshing sourness of locally grown cherries are also appealing. Taste them in the taproom, and when you find your favorite, pick up a bottle (330 ml, 660 yen and up) as a souvenir.